It starts off with Penelope's nurse Eurycleia running up to Penelope's room with great news. She tells her that Odysseus is home and that he is home. At first, Penelope doesn't believe her, and says that the gods are driving her crazy. Finally Eurycleia told her that Odysseus was disguised as the stranger, and she believed her. She then got up from her bed, and cried from joy. She finally goes downstairs where she finds Telemachus and Odysseus. She doesn't believe that it is him. Odysseus gets cleaned up, and then he thinks that she will recognize him. She still doesn't though. Penelope gets mad because she feels that the gods are tricking her. After this she threatens to move their wedding bed. Odysseus says that this isn't possible. After he says this, Penelope opens her eyes and realizes that it really is him. Odysseus then leaves to fullfil the prophecy.
Major Themes (and where they are):
Loyalty (throughout chapter)
Homeric Hero (302)
Disguise (303)
Growth and development of Telemachus (303)
Locations Traveled (and mentioned):
They are in Ithaca.
Odysseus's palace
Illus, Isle of Ogygia, Scherie ( Odysseus went to there)
Study Guide Questions:
How does Penelope respond when Eurycleia tells her Odysseus is back?
She does not believe him because the whole time she was in her room. Penelope does not greet Odysseus.
What does Odysseus suggest doing to prevent the town from hearing about the suitors’ deaths right away?
They are going to try to keep it quite for as long as possible or until everything settles down. To insure this they make sure that they show no expression to prove anything is going on.
How does Penelope test Odysseus?
She wants him to move her bed so he can prove it to her. Odysseus doesnt like this idea. Odysseus proves to Penelope that he is loyal.
What is so special about his bed?
The house was made around the bed and the bed was made out of an olive tree.
What must Odysseus do the following morning?
He has to go to the orchard of Laertes
Chapter 23 - Odysseus and Penelope
Summary:
It starts off with Penelope's nurse Eurycleia running up to Penelope's room with great news. She tells her that Odysseus is home and that he is home. At first, Penelope doesn't believe her, and says that the gods are driving her crazy. Finally Eurycleia told her that Odysseus was disguised as the stranger, and she believed her. She then got up from her bed, and cried from joy. She finally goes downstairs where she finds Telemachus and Odysseus. She doesn't believe that it is him. Odysseus gets cleaned up, and then he thinks that she will recognize him. She still doesn't though. Penelope gets mad because she feels that the gods are tricking her. After this she threatens to move their wedding bed. Odysseus says that this isn't possible. After he says this, Penelope opens her eyes and realizes that it really is him. Odysseus then leaves to fullfil the prophecy.
Major Themes (and where they are):
Loyalty (throughout chapter)Homeric Hero (302)
Disguise (303)
Growth and development of Telemachus (303)
Locations Traveled (and mentioned):
They are in Ithaca.Odysseus's palace
Illus, Isle of Ogygia, Scherie ( Odysseus went to there)
Study Guide Questions:
How does Penelope respond when Eurycleia tells her Odysseus is back?She does not believe him because the whole time she was in her room. Penelope does not greet Odysseus.
What does Odysseus suggest doing to prevent the town from hearing about the suitors’ deaths right away?
They are going to try to keep it quite for as long as possible or until everything settles down. To insure this they make sure that they show no expression to prove anything is going on.
How does Penelope test Odysseus?
She wants him to move her bed so he can prove it to her. Odysseus doesnt like this idea. Odysseus proves to Penelope that he is loyal.
What is so special about his bed?
The house was made around the bed and the bed was made out of an olive tree.
What must Odysseus do the following morning?
He has to go to the orchard of Laertes